Electric vehicle fans and automotive investors have a new milestone to watch: Lucid Motors is preparing to begin full EV production in Saudi Arabia in 2026. After scaling operations in 2025, the company is transitioning from partial assembly to complete manufacturing at its plant in King Abdullah Economic City on the Red Sea coast.
This expansion not only grows Lucid’s global footprint but also positions Saudi Arabia as an emerging hub in the electric vehicle industry.
From Assembly to Full-Scale EV Manufacturing
Interim CEO Marc Winterhoff confirmed in Riyadh that the company is “on track” to produce fully built vehicles in Saudi Arabia next year. Until now, the plant has been assembling EVs that were partially built in the United States and shipped to the Kingdom. Moving to full production means Lucid will handle every step. From body and battery installation to final assembly, within Saudi borders.
Lucid chose the facility in the King Abdullah Economic City special zone for its strategic location and logistical advantages. The company has already begun transferring heavy machinery and production equipment in preparation for next year’s launch. Lucid’s long-term goal is to increase output to 150,000 EVs annually by 2029, making the Saudi plant a major export hub.
Lucid Motors Growth and Global EV Strategy
Lucid’s 2025 production ramp-up set the stage for this milestone. In the final quarter alone, the company manufactured over 8,400 EVs, bringing the total annual production to 18,378. More than double 2024’s output. Despite earlier reductions in production targets, Lucid met its revised goal, demonstrating resilience in a competitive EV market.
Currently, Lucid is the only automaker producing cars in Saudi Arabia, though other global brands like Hyundai and local startup Ceer have plans to enter the market. Incentives like zero taxes and economic zone benefits are attracting EV makers to the Kingdom.
Known for the Lucid Air and seven-seat Gravity, the company has faced tech and team challenges. However, these issues are being addressed. Gravity’s performance, up to 450 miles of range and rapid charging capability, continues to draw attention.
Aligning with Saudi Vision 2030
The Saudi government’s Vision 2030 aims to diversify the economy and boost EV adoption. Targeting 30% of vehicles in Riyadh to be electric by 2030, alongside a nationwide network of fast chargers. Lucid’s full EV production aligns with this vision and helps position Saudi Arabia as a regional manufacturing hub.
As Lucid Motors shifts into full EV production in Saudi Arabia, the company is racing toward a future where its cars, once just assembled there, will proudly carry a “made in Saudi Arabia” badge.
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